Ring Day 2026

Ring Day 2026: A Sacred Circle of Sisterhood for the Class of 2027

Mercy women are like no other and last week, that truth was beautifully on display as the Junior Class, the Class of 2027, participated in one of Mount Mercy Academy’s most cherished and meaningful traditions: Ring Day.

In a moving and prayerful ceremony held at the Mercy Center Chapel, the Class of 2027 officially entered the Circle of Mercy, receiving their iconic Mercy rings during a joyful and reverent service. This honored tradition, unlike any other, marks a profound milestone in every Mercy woman’s journey, one that connects generations of graduates through faith, friendship, and shared values.

The evening was made especially meaningful by alumna Kelly Eagan Govern ’97, who delivered an inspiring reflection. Kelly, the proud mother of junior Molly Govern, spoke beautifully about the enduring bonds formed at Mount Mercy and the deeper meaning behind the ring each young woman now wears.

“At Mount Mercy, we learned what it means to stand by our friends, to lift each other up, to celebrate each other’s successes, and to offer strength during difficult times. The friendships formed here are grounded in shared faith and shared values, making them resilient and enduring.

When we wear this ring, we carry more than a symbol of our school. We carry a legacy of friendship and sisterhood. We carry the women who walked beside us then and the promise that they will continue to walk beside us throughout our lives. The Mount Mercy Academy ring is not simply something we wear. It is something we live, together.”

The Mercy ring itself is rich with symbolism and history. Designed in 1916, the ring has remained unchanged for more than 110 years, instantly recognizable to Mercy alumnae around the world. Its circle represents the unity of all Mercy graduates; the gold symbolizes loyalty to school, country, and church; the blue band calls upon the protection of Mary, Mother of God, model of all women of faith; and the seven pearls stand for faith, hope, charity, obedience, humility, patience, and joy.

During the service, the poem “The Door of Mercy” was read, concluding with words that perfectly capture the spirit of the evening:

“My friend says: You only have to knock once, and you only have to knock lightly. The God of Mercy, whose door it is, is always home.”

This special evening was shared by the entire junior class—another unforgettable moment in a long line of incredible Mercy traditions. With the presentation of their rings, the Class of 2027 officially joins the larger community of Mercy women, past and present, who share a unique and lifelong connection.

These young women are now recognized as true Women of Mercy: women of compassionate service; women who respect themselves and others; articulate women who strive for excellence in all they do; and women empowered to positively influence the world.

Congratulations to the Class of 2027 on this very special milestone. May you always wear your Mercy ring proudly, and live what it represents, together.